Self-cleaning optical sensor

ABSTRACT

An optical sensor may include a sensor head that has an optical window for directing light into a flow of fluid and/or receiving optical energy from the fluid. The optical sensor may also include a flow chamber that includes a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head can be inserted. In some examples, the flow chamber includes an inlet port defining a flow nozzle that is configured to direct fluid entering the flow chamber against the optical window of the sensor head. In operation, the force of the incoming fluid impacting the optical window may prevent fouling materials from accumulating on the optical window.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/464,508, filed May 4, 2012, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to optical sensors and, more particularly, tooptical sensor fluid control.

BACKGROUND

Aqueous chemical solutions are used in a variety of situations. Forexample, in different applications, aqueous cleaning solutions are usedto clean, sanitize, and/or disinfect kitchens, bathrooms, schools,hospitals, factories, and other similar facilities. Aqueous cleaningsolutions typically include one or more chemical species dissolved inwater. The chemical species impart various functional properties to thewater such as cleaning properties, antimicrobial activity, and the like.Measuring the concentration of the chemical species in the aqueoussolution before use can be beneficial to understand the properties ofthe solution and to determine if adjustment is required. For example,chemical solution monitoring can be especially useful in many industrialapplications. In some cases, substantially real-time monitoring is usedto determine a concentration of a chemical in a cleaning solution andthen to adjust the chemical concentration during a short period ofcleaning. In other cases, measurements may be taken on a periodic basisto maintain a nominal chemical concentration in the solution during acomparatively long period of operation.

An optical sensor is one type of device that can be used to analyze achemical solution. The optical sensor may direct light through anoptical window into a fluid solution and receive light from the fluidthrough an optical window. The optical sensor may direct and receivelight through the same optical window or different optical windows. Ineither case, the optical sensor may determine a characteristic of thefluid solution based on the light received from the fluid solution. Forexample, the optical sensor may determine a concentration of a chemicalspecies in the fluid based on the wavelength and/or magnitude of lightreceived from the fluid.

In some applications, an optical sensor may be used to determine acharacteristic of a fluid that contains a fouling material. In such asituation, an optical window of the optical sensor may become fouled,restricting the amount of light directed and/or received through theoptical window. When light is restricted, the optical sensor may notdetermine a characteristic of the fluid solution as accurately as whenthe optical window is comparatively cleaner. For example, the opticalsensor may attribute a reduced magnitude of received light from thefluid solution as being indicative of the fluid solution having a lowerconcentration of a chemical species rather than attribute the reducedamount of light to fouling interference.

SUMMARY

In general, this disclosure is directed towards optical sensors andoptical-based techniques for determining a characteristic of a fluidsuch as, e.g., an aqueous chemical solution. In some examples, theoptical sensor includes a flow chamber and a sensor head that isconfigured to be inserted into the flow chamber. The sensor head maydetermine a characteristic of a fluid as the fluid flows through theflow chamber. For example, the sensor head may optical analyze a fluidto determine a concentration of a chemical species in the fluid.

When the optical sensor is used to analyze fluid that contains foulingmaterial, the fouling material may deposit within the optical sensor. Ifthe fouling material accumulates within the optical sensor, the foulingmaterial may reduce or fully block light from being transmitted to orreceived from the fluid by the optical sensor. When this occurs, theoptical sensor may not be able to optical analyze the fluid with theaccuracy demanded by some applications.

In some examples in accordance with this disclosure, a optical sensor isdescribed that includes a flow chamber having an inlet port forreceiving fluid for optical analysis by a sensor head. The inlet portmay define a fluid nozzle that is configured to direct fluid enteringthe flow chamber against an optical window of the sensor head. Inoperation, fluid may travel through the inlet port and discharge fromthe fluid nozzle so as to impact the optical window of the sensor. Theforce of the incoming fluid impacting against the optical window mayprevent fouling material from accumulating on the optical window and/orhelp remove accumulated fouling material from the optical window.

In one example, an optical sensor is described that includes a sensorhead and a flow chamber. The sensor head includes a first opticalwindow, a second optical window, at least one light source, and at leastone detector. The at least one light source is configured to emit lightthrough the first optical window into a flow of fluid and the at leastone detector is configured to detect fluorescent emissions through thesecond optical window from the flow of fluid. In addition, in thisexample, the flow chamber includes a housing defining a cavity intowhich the sensor head is inserted, an inlet port configured tocommunicate the flow of fluid from outside of the cavity to an interiorof the cavity, and an outlet port configured to communicate the flow offluid from the interior of the cavity to back outside of the cavity.According to the example, the inlet port defines a first fluid nozzleconfigured to direct a portion of the flow of fluid against the firstoptical window and a second fluid nozzle configured to direct a portionof the flow of fluid against the second optical window.

In another example, a method is described that includes directing fluidthrough a first fluid nozzle of a flow chamber against a first opticalwindow of a sensor head and directing fluid through a second fluidnozzle of the flow chamber against a second optical window of the sensorhead. In the example, the sensor head includes at least one light sourceconfigured to emit light through the first optical window into a flow offluid and at least one detector configured to detect fluorescentemissions through the second optical window from the flow of fluid.

In another example, an optical sensor system is described that includesan optical sensor, a liquid source, a gas source, and a controller. Theoptical sensor includes a sensor head with an optical window, at leastone light source configured to emit light through the optical windowinto a flow of fluid, and at least one detector configured to detectfluorescent emissions through the optical window from the flow of fluid.The optical sensor also includes a flow chamber with a housing defininga cavity into which the sensor head is inserted, an inlet port isconfigured to communicate the flow of fluid from outside of the cavityto an interior of the cavity, and an outlet port configured tocommunicate the flow of fluid from the interior of the cavity to backoutside of the cavity. The inlet port defines a fluid nozzle configuredto direct the flow of fluid against the optical window. According to theexample, the liquid source is configured to supply the flow of fluidcommunicating through the inlet port and the gas source is alsoconfigured to supply the flow of fluid communicating through the inletport. The example further specifies that the controller is configured tocontrol the gas source to place the gas source in fluid communicationwith the flow chamber so as to evacuate the flow chamber of liquid, andcontrol the liquid source so as to place the liquid source in fluidcommunication with the flow chamber so as to direct liquid through thefluid nozzle, through a space of the flow chamber evacuated of liquid,and against the optical window.

In another example, a method is described that includes evacuating aflow chamber of an optical sensor of liquid, where the optical sensorincludes a sensor head having an optical window that is inserted intothe flow chamber, and the flow chamber includes an inlet port defining afluid nozzle configured to direct fluid against the optical window. Themethod also includes flowing liquid through the inlet port of the flowchamber so as to direct liquid through the fluid nozzle, through a spaceof the flow chamber evacuated of liquid, and against the optical window.

The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example optical sensor system thatincludes an optical sensor according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example optical sensor thatmay be used in the example system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic drawings of an example physicalconfiguration of an optical sensor that may be used by the opticalsensors in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are alternative views of an example sensor head that maybe used for the example optical sensor of FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 7 is perspective top view of a flow chamber that may be used forthe example optical sensor of FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional top view of the example flow chamber of FIG.7, shown with a sensor head inserted into the chamber, taken along theA-A cross-section line indicated on FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the example flow chamber ofFIG. 7, shown with a sensor head inserted into the chamber, taken alongthe B-B cross-section line indicated on FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional top view of the example flow chamberof FIG. 7, shown with a sensor head inserted into the chamber, takenalong the A-A cross-section line indicated on FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the following description provides somepractical illustrations for implementing examples of the presentinvention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, andmanufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and allother elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill inthe field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatmany of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.

Fluids with active chemical agents are used in a variety of differentindustries for a variety of different applications. For example, in thecleaning industry, fluid solutions that include chlorine or other activechemical agents are often used to clean and disinfect various surfacesand equipment. In these solutions, the concentration of the activechemical agent or other parameters can affect the cleaning anddisinfecting properties of the fluid. Accordingly, ensuring that a fluidis appropriately formulated and prepared for an intended application canhelp ensure that the fluid provides suitable cleaning and disinfectingproperties in subsequent use.

This disclosure describes an optical sensor for determining acharacteristic of a fluid medium. In particular, this disclosuredescribes methods, systems, and apparatuses related to an optical sensorthat may be used to determine a characteristic of a fluid medium suchas, e.g., a concentration of a chemical species in the fluid medium, atemperature of the fluid medium, or the like. Depending on theapplication, the optical sensor may be implemented as an online sensorthat receives a flow of fluid from a fluid source on a continuous orperiodic basis and analyzes the fluid to determine the characteristic insubstantially real-time. For example, the optical sensor may beconnected to a flow of fluid via a pipe, tube, or other conduit. Theoptical sensor may then receive a sample of the fluid from the sourcevia the conduit and analyze the fluid to determine the characteristicsof the fluid.

Depending on the application, the optical sensor may receive a fluidthat contains fouling materials (e.g., solids particles) for opticalanalysis. As the fluid passes through the optical sensor, the foulingmaterials may deposit on the sensor, generating scaling or a film ofaccumulated fouling material. Over time, the amount of fouling materialdeposited on the sensor may increase until the sensor is no longer ableto accurately optically analyze fluid passing through the sensor. Forexample, when the optical sensor includes an optical window fortransmitting light into and/or receiving light from a fluid underanalysis, the optical window may become covered with a layer of foulingmaterial that restricts light passage through the optical window. Thismay cause the optical sensor to provide an inaccurate reading for thefluid characteristic intended to be determined by the sensor.

In accordance with the techniques described in this disclosure, anoptical sensor with an inlet port that defines a fluid nozzle isprovided. The fluid nozzle may be arranged to direct fluid entering theoptical sensor against an optical window of the sensor. For example, thefluid nozzle may direct fluid entering the optical sensor directlyagainst the optical window so that incoming fluid contacts the opticalwindow of the sensor before contacting any other structure within thesensor. The force of the incoming fluid contacting the optical windowmay help inhibit fouling material from accumulating on the opticalwindow and/or flush away accumulated fouling material. Instead of havingto regularly remove the optical sensor from operation for cleaning, thefluid directed against the optical window may perform a self-cleaningfunction. As a result, the optical sensor may remain in service withoutrequiring cleaning and/or optical sensor may exhibit an extended servicelife between cleanings.

In some examples according to this disclosure, the optical sensorincludes at least a first optical window through which a light source ofthe sensor emits light into a fluid and a second optical window throughwhich a detector of the sensor receives light from the fluid. The sensormay emit light into the fluid to generate fluorescent emissions and thedetector may detect the fluorescent emissions for determining acharacteristic of the fluid. In this example, the optical sensor mayinclude a first fluid nozzle configured to direct a portion of anincoming fluid flow against the first optical window and a second fluidnozzle configured to direct a different portion of the incoming fluidflow against the second optical window. By providing a separate nozzleassociated with each optical window, each optical window may be impactedwith higher pressure fluid streams than if the optical sensor employs asingle nozzle for multiple optical windows. This may improve thecleaning action of the incoming fluid stream.

In some instances when an optical sensor according to the disclosure isused as part of a system, the optical sensor may be fluidly connected toboth a liquid source that supplies a flow of incoming fluid to thesensor as well as a gas source that can supply a flow of incoming fluid.During operation, the liquid source may supply fluid to the opticalsensor for analysis. Periodically, however, the liquid source may beclosed and the gas source opened so that the optical sensor is evacuatedof liquid and filled with gas. Thereafter, the liquid source may bereopened to refill the optical sensor with liquid for analysis. Whenthis occurs, the liquid initially entering the optical sensor may travelthrough the gas space in the optical sensor more rapidly than if theoptical sensor were filed with liquid. Consequently, the initialincoming liquid may impact the optical window of the sensor with moreforce than liquid subsequently entering the sensor when the sensor isalready filled with liquid. This may provide a comparatively highpressure cleaning action that helps remove accumulated fouling materialfrom the optical window.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example optical sensorsystem 100, which may be used to analyze a chemical solution havingfluorescent properties. System 100 includes an optical sensor 102, acontroller 104, a power supply 106, and a user interface 108. Opticalsensor 102 includes a flow chamber 110 that defines a cavity forreceiving and containing a flow of fluid and a sensor head 112 that isinserted into the flow chamber. Sensor head 112 is configured todetermine one or more characteristics of a fluid as the fluid passesthrough flow chamber 110 such as, e.g., a concentration of a chemicalcompound in the fluid, a temperature of the fluid, or the like. Opticalsensor 102 can communicate with controller 104 in operation, andcontroller 104 can control optical sensor system 100.

Controller 104 is communicatively connected to optical sensor 102 andincludes a processor 114 and a memory 116. Signals generated by opticalsensor 102 are communicated to controller 104 via a wired or wirelessconnection, which in the example of FIG. 1 is illustrated as wiredconnection. Memory 116 stores software for running controller 104 andmay also store data generated or received by processor 114, e.g., fromoptical sensor 102. Processor 114 runs software stored in memory 116 tomanage the operation of optical sensor 102.

Flow chamber 110 of optical sensor 102 includes an inlet port forcommunicating fluid from outside of the flow chamber to an interior ofthe flow chamber as well as an outlet port for discharging the fluidback outside of the flow chamber. Sensor head 112 is inserted (e.g.,removably or permanently) into flow chamber 110 and includes at leastone optical window for directing light into fluid passing through flowchamber 110 and/or receiving optical energy from the flow of fluid. Inoperation, fluid enters flow chamber 110 and is directed past theoptical window of sensor head 112. Once inside the flow chamber, sensorhead 112 may optically analyze the fluid as the fluid moves past theoptical window. For instance, when optical sensor 102 is implemented asa fluorometer, the optical sensor may direct light into the fluid togenerate fluorescent emissions and then detect the fluorescent emissionsto optically analyze the fluid.

As described in greater detail below (FIGS. 7-10), flow chamber 110 mayinclude an inlet that defines a fluid nozzle configured to direct fluidentering the flow chamber directly against the optical window of thesenor head. For example, flow chamber 110 may include a fluid nozzlethat is in the same plane as the optical window of the sensor head andoriented so that fluid entering the flow chamber directly contacts theoptical window after discharging from the fluid nozzle. Instead ofcontacting a wall surface or other internal surface of flow chamber 110after discharging from the fluid nozzle, the fluid nozzle may dischargefluid so that the fluid contacts the optical window of sensor head 112before contacting any other surface within the flow chamber. In someexamples, the flow nozzle is oriented so that a center of the fluid flowemitted by the fluid nozzle is directed at approximately a center of theoptical window. Directing fluid entering flow chamber 110 against theoptical window of sensor head 112 may help reduce or eliminate foulingbuild-up on the optical window.

Optical sensor 102 is connected to at least one fluid source which, inthe example of FIG. 1, is illustrated as two fluid sources (a firstfluid source 118 and a second fluid source 120). First fluid source 118is in fluid communication with flow chamber 110 via a first fluidconduit 122 which passes through a first valve 124. Second fluid source120 is in fluid communication with flow chamber 110 via a second fluidconduit 126 which passes through a second valve 128. First fluid conduit122 and second fluid conduit 126 are fluidly connected to a common inletport (e.g., a single inlet port) of flow chamber 110 in the example ofoptical sensor system 100. In other examples, such as examples whereflow chamber 110 includes multiple inlet ports, first fluid conduit 122and second fluid conduit 126 may be fluidly connected to the flowchamber through different inlet ports.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, controller 104 may becommunicatively coupled to first valve 124 and second valve 128. In someexamples, controller 104 selectively opens and closes first valve 124and second valve 128 so as to place fluid from first fluid source 118and/or second fluid source 120 in fluid communication with flow chamber110. For example, memory 116 may store instructions that, when executedby processor 114, cause controller 104 to selectively open and/or closefirst valve 124 and/or second valve 128 so as to selectively place fluidfrom first fluid source 118 and/or second fluid source 120 in fluidcommunication with flow chamber 110. When first fluid source 118 is influid communication with flow chamber 110, fluid from the first fluidsource can flow through the flow chamber. By contrast, when second fluidsource 120 is in fluid communication with flow chamber 110, fluid fromthe second fluid source can flow through the flow chamber.

In addition to or in lieu of controlling first valve 124 and secondvalve 128, controller 104 may be communicatively coupled to one or moredelivery devices that control delivery of fluid from first fluid source118 and second fluid source 120. Example delivery devices include pumpsand other metering devices. Controller 104 may start and/or stop thedelivery devices to place fluid from first fluid source 118 and/orsecond fluid source 120 in fluid communication with flow chamber 110.Controller 104 may also increases and/or decreases the rate of thedelivery devices to adjust the rate at which fluid from first fluidsource 118 and/or second fluid source 120 enters flow chamber 110.

First fluid source 118 and second fluid source 120 may each providegaseous fluids, liquid fluids, or one fluid source may provide a gaseousfluid while another fluid source provides a liquid fluid. In oneexample, first fluid source 118 is a gaseous fluid source and secondfluid source 120 is a liquid fluid source. Second fluid source 120 maysupply a liquid to flow chamber 110 that is intended for opticalanalysis by sensor head 112. For example, second fluid source 120 maysupply a liquid to flow chamber 110 that includes a chemical compoundthat imparts functional properties to the liquid (e.g., cleaningproperties, antimicrobial properties). Optical sensor 102 may receivethe liquid and optically analyze the liquid to determine theconcentration of the chemical compound, e.g., to monitor and/or adjustthe composition of the liquid source. First fluid source 118 may supplya gas to flow chamber 110 that, in some examples, is used for cleaningthe flow chamber and/or purging the flow chamber of liquid.

During operation of optical sensor 102, second fluid source 120 maysupply liquid to flow chamber 110 for optical analysis that containsfouling materials (e.g., solids particles). As the liquid passes throughthe flow chamber, the fouling materials may accumulate within the flowchamber and deposit on sensor head 112. Over time, the fouling materialsmay build-up on sensor head 112 to a level where optical sensor 102 inno longer able to accurately determine a characteristic of a liquidpassing through the flow chamber.

To help reduce or eliminate fouling accumulation within optical sensor102, first fluid source 118 may periodically supply gas to flow chamber110 to purge the flow chamber of liquid. For example, controller 104 maycontrol first valve 124 and second valve 128 during operation of opticalsensor system 100 to stop liquid flow to the flow chamber and initiategas flow to flow chamber 110. The gas may displace the liquid in flowchamber 110 so that the flow chamber is evacuated of liquid. Thereafter,controller 104 may resume fluid communication between the liquid fluidsource and flow chamber. Liquid entering the gas filled flow chamber 110may travel at a higher velocity within the chamber than when the chamberis filled with fluid. This high velocity fluid entering flow chamber 110may help remove accumulated fouling material from within flow chamber110 such as, e.g., fouling on an optical window of sensor head 112.

For instance, during operation of an optical sensor that includes a flowchamber 110 having a fluid nozzle configured to direct fluid against anoptical window (e.g., FIGS. 7-10), liquid may discharge from the fluidnozzle against an optical window of sensor head 112. This may occur whenflow chamber 110 is in fluid communication with a liquid fluid source,such as second fluid source 120. Periodically, controller 104 may closesecond valve 128 to block fluid communication between the liquid secondfluid source 120 and flow chamber 110 and also open first valve 124 toplace the gaseous first fluid source 118 in fluid communication with theflow chamber. The gas from first fluid source 118 may displace theliquid fluid within flow chamber 110 so the flow chamber is filled withgaseous fluid rather than liquid fluid. Controller 104 may subsequentlyclose first fluid valve 124 to block fluid communication between thegaseous first fluid source 118 and flow chamber 110 and also open secondvalve 128 to place liquid second fluid source 120 in fluid communicationwith the flow chamber. As liquid initially enters flow chamber 110 torefill the flow chamber, the liquid may discharge from a fluid nozzle offlow chamber 110 and travel through a gas filled space before impactingan optical window of sensor head 112. This liquid traveling through thegas filled space may travel faster than if the liquid was travelingthrough the same space and the space was filled with liquid. Forexample, the liquid traveling through the gas filled space may travel atleast twice as fast (e.g., at least three times as fast, betweenapproximately 3 and approximately 5 times as fast) as if the liquid wastraveling through the same space and the space was filled with liquid.As a result, the liquid may carry more force for removing accumulatedfouling material from an optical window of sensor head 112 than if flowchamber 110 is not evacuated of liquid.

Independent of the specific configuration of flow chamber 110,controller 104 of optical sensor system 100 may control first fluidsource 118 and second fluid source 120 to alternately place one of thefluid sources in communication with flow chamber 110 with any suitablefrequency. In one example, controller 104 close first valve 124 to blockfluid communication between the gaseous first fluid source 118 and flowchamber 110 and also opens second valve 128 to open fluid communicationbetween the liquid second fluid source 120 and the flow chamber.Controller 104 may hold first valve 124 closed and second valve 128open, allowing liquid fluid to flow into and through flow chamber 110,for a period of greater than approximately 30 seconds such as, e.g.,greater than 1 minute, greater than 5 minutes, greater than 1 hour, or aperiod ranging from approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes.Controller 104 may subsequently close second valve 128 to block fluidcommunication between the liquid second fluid source 120 and flowchamber 110 and open first valve 124 to open fluid communication betweenthe gaseous first fluid source 118 and the flow chamber. Controller 104may then hold first valve 124 open and second valve 128 closed, for aperiod of greater than 10 seconds such as, e.g., greater than 1 minute,greater than 10 minutes, or a period ranging from approximately 1 minuteto approximately 30 minutes. The foregoing values are merely examples,and other ranges of time are both possible and contemplated.

In some examples, controller 104 controls the supply of gaseous fluidand liquid fluid to flow chamber 110 so a ratio of the amount of timethe flow chamber is filled with gas divided by the amount of time theflow chamber is filled with liquid is greater than 1. For example,controller 104 may control the supply of gaseous fluid and liquid fluidto flow chamber 110 so that the ratio of the amount of time the flowchamber is filled with gas divided by the amount of time the flowchamber is filled with liquid is greater than 2, greater than 5, greaterthan 10, or between 2 and 10. In such examples, flow chamber 110 may befilled with gas for a longer period of time than the flow chamber isfilled with liquid. In instances in which the liquid received by flowchamber 110 contains fouling material, reducing the amount of time theliquid passes through the flow chamber may reduce the amount of foulingmaterial deposited within the chamber. Instead of allowing flow chamber110 to remain filled with liquid fluid that may contain foulingmaterial, the flow chamber can instead be evacuated of liquid and filledwith gas. Flow chamber 110 may periodically be filled with liquid foranalysis and then refilled with gas, which may extend the length of timethat optical sensor 102 can remain in service before needing to beremoved for cleaning

After passing through the flow chamber 110, fluid may be returned to afluid source or discarded. In the example of FIG. 1, flow chamber 110 isin fluid communication with an outlet conduit 130 via an outlet valve132 and a drain conduit 134 via a drain valve 136. In operation,controller 104 may be communicatively coupled to outlet valve 132 anddrain valve 136 for selectively opening and closing the valves. Forexample, controller 104 may control outlet valve 132 to open the valveand drain valve 136 to close the valve when first valve 124 is closedand second valve 128 is opened. This may allow fluid to flow from secondfluid source 120, through flow chamber 110, and return to the fluidsource via outlet conduit 130. Conversely, controller 104 may controloutlet valve 132 to close the valve and drain valve 136 to open thevalve when first valve 124 is opened and second valve 128 is closed.This may allow fluid to flow out of flow chamber 110 (e.g., forevacuating the chamber of liquid) and/or provide a separate fluidpathway for discharging accumulated fouling material flushed out of theflow chamber.

First fluid source 118 and second fluid source 120 may each be anysuitable type of fluid. In examples in which first fluid source 118 is agaseous fluid, the gas may be atmospheric air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbondioxide, or any other acceptable type of gas. In some examples, the gasis at atmospheric pressure. In other examples, the gas is at a positivepressure relative to atmospheric pressure. In addition, in examples inwhich second fluid source 120 is a liquid fluid, the fluid may be aliquid that is intended to be optically analyzed (e.g., to determine aconcentration of a chemical compound in the liquid) or a liquid that isprovided to clean optical sensor 102. For example, second fluid source120 may be water or another cleaning fluid for cleaning fouling materialfrom optical sensor 102. In other examples, the liquid intended to beoptically analyzed may directed against an optical window of sensor head112 in addition to or in lieu of providing a separate cleaning liquid.That is, instead of supplying a separate cleaning liquid to opticalsensor 102 for removing fouling material from the sensor, liquidentering the optical sensor for analysis may itself be directed into thesensor in such a way as to help reduce or eliminate fouling accumulationwithin the sensor. While optical sensor system 100 in the example ofFIG. 1 includes a first fluid source 118 and a second fluid source 120,in other examples, an optical sensor system may include fewer fluidsources (e.g., a single fluid source) or more fluid source (e.g., three,four, or more fluid sources) and the disclosure is not limited in thisrespect.

For instance, in one example optical sensor system 100 includes agaseous fluid source, a source of liquid fluid for cleaning opticalsensor 102, and a source of liquid fluid to be analyzed by opticalsensor 102. Controller 104 can control the system to place the gaseousfluid source in fluid communication with flow chamber 110 while fluidcommunication between the source of liquid fluid for cleaning and thesource of liquid fluid to be analyzed is blocked. This may evacuate flowchamber 110 of liquid. Thereafter, controller 104 can control the systemto place the source of liquid fluid for cleaning flow chamber 110 influid communication with flow chamber 110 while flow to the gaseousfluid source and the source of liquid fluid to be analyzed is blocked.Controller 104 can subsequently control the system to place the sourceof liquid fluid to be analyzed in fluid communication with flow chamber110 while fluid communication between the source of liquid fluid forcleaning and the source of liquid fluid to be analyzed is blocked.

Optical sensor 102 in optical sensor system 100 can be used to analyze avariety of different types of liquid fluids. Example fluids that may beanalyzed by optical sensor 102 include, but are not limited to, cleaningagents, sanitizing agents, cooling water for industrial cooling towers,biocides such as pesticides, anti-corrosion agents, anti-scaling agents,anti-fouling agent, laundry detergents, clean-in-place cleaners, floorcoatings, vehicle care compositions, water care compositions, bottlewashing compositions, and the like. In some examples, the fluid is anaqueous chemical solution that includes one or more chemical additives.These or other fluids may be used as second fluid source 120.

In some examples, optical sensor 102 is configured as a fluorometer witha light source that emits optical energy into fluid flowing through flowchamber 110. The fluid may emit fluorescent radiation in response to theoptical energy directed into the fluid. The optical sensor 102 may thendetect the emitted fluorescent radiation and determine variouscharacteristics of the solution, such as a concentration of one or morechemical compounds in the solution, based on the magnitude of theemitted fluorescent radiation. In order to enable optical sensor 102 todetect fluorescent emissions, liquid fluid provided from a fluid sourcein these examples may include a molecule that exhibits fluorescentcharacteristics. In some examples, the fluid may include a polycycliccompound and/or a benzene molecule that has one or more substituentelectron donating groups such as, e.g., —OH, —NH₂, and —OCH₃, which mayexhibit fluorescent characteristics. Depending on the application, thesecompounds may be naturally present in the fluid entering optical sensor102 because of the functional properties (e.g., cleaning and sanitizingproperties) imparted to the fluids by the compounds.

In addition to or in lieu of a naturally fluorescing compound, theliquid fluid may include a fluorescent tracer (which may also bereferred to as a fluorescent marker). The fluorescent tracer can beincorporated into the fluid specifically to impart fluorescingproperties to the fluid. Example fluorescent tracer compounds include,but are not limited to naphthalene disulfonate (NDSA),2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, Acid Yellow 7,1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonicacid sodium salt, and fluorescein.

Independent of the specific composition of the fluid received by flowchamber 110, optical sensor 102 can determine one or morecharacteristics of the fluid flowing through flow chamber. Examplecharacteristics include, but are not limited to, the concentration ofone or more chemical compounds within fluid, the temperature of thefluid, and/or other characteristics of the fluid may help ensure thatthe fluid is appropriately formulated for an intended application.Optical sensor 102 may communicate detected characteristic informationto controller 104.

While optical sensor 102 within system 100 is generally described asreceiving a flow of moving fluid that passes through the optical sensor,in other examples, the optical sensor may be used to determine one ormore characteristics of a stationary volume of fluid that does not flowthrough a flow chamber of the optical sensor. When optical sensor 102includes a flow chamber with inlet and outlet ports (FIGS. 7-10), theinlet and outlet ports may be plugged to created a bounded cavity forholding a stationary (e.g., non-flowing) volume of fluid. A bounded flowchamber may be useful for calibrating optical sensor 102. Duringcalibration, the flow chamber can be filled with a fluid having knowncharacteristics (e.g., a known concentration of one or more chemicalcompounds, a known temperature), and optical sensor 102 can determineestimated characteristics of the calibration solution. The estimatedcharacteristics determined by the optical sensor can be compared to theknown characteristics (e.g., by controller 104) and used to calibrateoptical sensor 102.

Optical sensor system 100 in the example of FIG. 1 also includes powersupply 106, user interface 108, and conduits 122, 126, 130, 134. Powersupply 106 delivers operating power to the various components of opticalsensor system 100 and, in different examples, may include power from asupply line, such as an alternating current or direct current supplyline, or a battery. User interface 108 can be used to provide input tooptical sensor system 100 (e.g., for changing operating parameters ofthe system, running a calibration routine) or to receive output from thesystem. User interface 108 may generally include a display screen orother output media, and user input media. In some examples, opticalsensor system 100 can communicate via a wired or wireless connectionwith one or more remote computing devices. Fluid conduits 122, 126, 130,134 in system 100 may be any type of flexible or inflexible tubing,piping, or other fluid pathway.

In the example of FIG. 1, optical sensor 102 determines a characteristicof the fluid flowing through flow chamber 110 (e.g., a concentration ofa chemical compound, a temperature, or the like). FIG. 2 is blockdiagram illustrating an example of an optical sensor 200 that determinesa characteristic of a fluid medium. Sensor 200 may be used as opticalsensor 102 in optical sensor system 100, or sensor 200 may be used inother applications beyond optical sensor system 100.

With reference to FIG. 2, sensor 200 includes a controller 220, one ormore optical emitters 222 (referred to herein as “optical emitter 222”),one or more optical detectors 224 (referred to herein as “opticaldetector 224”), and a temperature sensor 221. Controller 220 includes aprocessor 226 and a memory 228. In operation, optical emitter 222directs light into fluid flowing through fluid channel 230 and opticaldetector 224 detects fluorescent emissions generated by the fluid. Thelight directed into the fluid by optical emitter 222 may generatefluorescent emissions by exciting electrons of fluorescing moleculeswithin the fluid, causing the molecules to emit energy (i.e., fluoresce)that can be detected by optical detector 224. For example, opticalemitter 222 may direct light at one frequency (e.g., ultravioletfrequency) into fluid flowing through fluid channel 230 and causefluorescing molecules to emit light energy at a different frequency(e.g., visible light frequency). Temperature sensor 221 within sensor200 can measure a temperature of fluid flow adjacent to (e.g., incontact with) the sensor. In some examples, sensor 200 communicates withexternal devices.

Memory 228 stores software and data used or generated by controller 220.For example, memory 228 may store data used by controller 220 todetermine a concentration of one or more chemical components within thefluid being monitored by sensor 200. In some examples, memory 228 storesdata in the form of an equation that relates fluorescent emissionsdetected by optical detector 224 to a concentration of one or morechemical components.

Processor 226 runs software stored in memory 228 to perform functionsattributed to sensor 200 and controller 220 in this disclosure.Components described as processors within controller 220, controller104, or any other device described in this disclosure may each includeone or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors, digitalsignal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logiccircuitry, or the like, either alone or in any suitable combination.

Optical emitter 222 includes at least one optical emitter that emitsoptical energy into a fluid present with fluid channel 230. In someexamples, optical emitter 222 emits optical energy over range ofwavelengths. In other examples, optical emitter 222 emits optical energyat one or more discrete wavelengths. For example, optical emitter 222may emit at two, three, four or more discrete wavelengths.

In one example, optical emitter 222 emits light within the ultraviolet(UV) spectrum. Light within the UV spectrum may include wavelengths inthe range from approximately 200 nm to approximately 400 nanometers.Light emitted by optical emitter 222 is directed into fluid within fluidchannel 230. In response to receiving the optical energy, fluorescingmolecules within the fluid may excite, causing the molecules to producefluorescent emissions. The fluorescent emissions, which may or may notbe at a different frequency than the energy emitted by optical emitter222, may be generated as excited electrons within fluorescing moleculeschange energy states. The energy emitted by the fluorescing moleculesmay be detected by optical detector 224. For example, optical emitter222 may emit light in the frequency range of approximately 280 nm toapproximately 310 nm and, depending on the composition of the fluid,cause fluorescent emissions in the range of approximately 310 nm toapproximately 400 nm.

Optical emitter 222 may be implemented in a variety of different wayswithin sensor 200. Optical emitter 222 may include one or more lightsources to excite molecules within the fluid. Example light sourcesinclude light emitting diodes (LEDS), lasers, and lamps. In someexamples, optical emitter 222 includes an optical filter to filter lightemitted by the light source. The optical filter may be positionedbetween the light source and the fluid and be selected to pass lightwithin a certain wavelength range. In some additional examples, theoptical emitter includes a collimator, e.g., a collimating lens, hood orreflector, positioned adjacent the light source to collimate the lightemitted from the light source. The collimator may reduce the divergenceof the light emitted from the light source, reducing optical noise.

Sensor 200 also includes optical detector 224. Optical detector 224includes at least one optical detector that detects fluorescentemissions emitted by excited molecules within fluid channel 230. In someexamples, optical detector 224 is positioned on a different side offluid channel 230 than optical emitter 222. For example, opticaldetector 224 may be positioned on a side of fluid channel 230 that isoffset approximately 90 degrees relative to optical emitter 222. Such anarrangement may reduce the amount of light that is emitted opticalemitter 222, transmitted through fluid within fluid channel 230, anddetected by optical detector 224. This transmitted light can potentiallycause interference with fluorescent emissions detected by the opticaldetector.

In operation, the amount of optical energy detected by optical detector224 may depend on the contents of the fluid within fluid channel 230. Ifthe fluid channel contains a fluid solution that has certain properties(e.g., a certain chemical compound and/or a certain concentration of achemical species), optical detector 224 may detect a certain level offluorescent energy emitted by the fluid. However, if the fluid solutionhas different properties (e.g., a different chemical compound and/or adifferent concentration of the chemical species), optical detector 224may detect a different level of fluorescent energy emitted by the fluid.For example, if a fluid within fluid channel 230 has a firstconcentration of a fluorescing chemical compound(s), optical detector224 may detect a first magnitude of fluorescent emissions. However, ifthe fluid within fluid channel 230 has second concentration of thefluorescing chemical compound(s) that is greater than the firstconcentration, optical detector 224 may detect a second magnitude offluorescent emissions that is greater than the first magnitude.

Optical detector 224 may also be implemented in a variety of differentways within sensor 200. Optical detector 224 may include one or morephotodetectors such as, e.g., photodiodes or photomultipliers, forconverting optical signals into electrical signals. In some examples,optical detector 224 includes a lens positioned between the fluid andthe photodetector for focusing and/or shaping optical energy receivedfrom the fluid.

Sensor 200 in the example of FIG. 2 also includes temperature sensor221. Temperature sensor 221 is configured to sense a temperature of afluid passing through a flow chamber of the sensor. In various examples,temperature sensor 316 may be a bi-metal mechanical temperature sensor,an electrical resistance temperature sensor, an optical temperaturesensor, or any other suitable type of temperature sensor. Temperaturesensor 221 can generate a signal that is representative of the magnitudeof the sensed temperature. In other examples, sensor 200 does notinclude temperature sensor 221.

Controller 220 controls the operation of optical emitter 222 andreceives signals concerning the amount of light detected by opticaldetector 224. Controller 220 also received signals from temperaturesensor 221 concerning the temperature of the fluid in contact with thesensor. In some examples, controller 220 further processes signals,e.g., to determine a concentration of more or more chemical specieswithin the fluid passing through fluid channel 230.

In one example, controller 220 controls optical emitter 222 to directradiation into a fluid and further controls optical detector 224 todetect fluorescent emissions emitted by the fluid. Controller 220 thenprocesses the light detection information to determine a concentrationof a chemical species in the fluid. For example, in instances in which afluid includes a fluorescent tracer, a concentration of a chemicalspecies of interest can be determined based on a determinedconcentration of the fluorescent tracer. Controller 220 can determine aconcentration of the fluorescent tracer by comparing the magnitude offluorescent emissions detected by optical detector 224 from a fluidhaving an unknown concentration of the tracer to the magnitude of thefluorescent emissions detected by optical detector 224 from a fluidhaving an known concentration of the tracer. Controller 220 candetermine the concentration of a chemical species of interest usingEquations (1) and (2) below:

$\begin{matrix}{C_{c} = {C_{m} \times \frac{C_{o}}{C_{f}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1} \\{C_{m} = {K_{m} \times \left( {S_{x} - Z_{o}} \right)}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

In Equations (1) and (2) above, C_(c) is a current concentration of thechemical species of interest, C_(m) is a current concentration of thefluorescent tracer, C_(o) is a nominal concentration of the chemicalspecies of interest, C_(f) is a nominal concentration of the fluorescenttracer, K_(m) is a slope correction coefficient, S_(x) is a currentfluorescent measurement signal, and Z_(o) is a zero shift. Controller220 may further adjust the determined concentration of the chemicalspecies of interest based on the temperature measured by temperaturesensor 221.

Sensor 102 (FIG. 1) and sensor 200 (FIG. 2) can have a number ofdifferent physical configurations. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic drawingsof one example configuration of a sensor 300, which can be used bysensor 102 and sensor 200. Sensor 300 includes a flow chamber 302, asensor head 304, a sensor cap 306, and a locking member 308. Sensor head304 is shown outside of and insertable into flow chamber 302 in FIG. 3,while sensor head is shown inserted into flow chamber 302 and secured tothe flow chamber via locking member 308 in FIG. 4. When sensor head 304is inserted into and secured to flow chamber 302, the flow chamber maydefine a bounded cavity that receives fluids from a fluid source andcontrols fluid flow past sensor head 304. For example, as described ingreater detail below, flow chamber 302 may include a fluid nozzle thatdirects fluid entering flow chamber 302 against an optical window ofsensor head 304. The fluid nozzle may help avoid fouling accumulation onsensor head 304 and/or remove accumulated fouling material from thesensor head, e.g., when the sensor is implemented as an online sensorcontinuously receiving moving fluid from a fluid source.

Flow chamber 302 of sensor 300 is configured to receive and containsensor head 304. In general, sensor head 304 may be any component ofsensor 300 that is insertable into flow chamber 302 and configured tosense a characteristic of a fluid within the fluid chamber. In variousexamples, sensor head 304 may be configured to sense characteristics fordetermining a concentration of one or more chemical compounds within thefluid in flow chamber 302, a temperature of the fluid in the fluidchamber, the pH of the fluid in the fluid chamber, and/or othercharacteristics of the fluid may help ensure that the fluid isappropriately formulated for an intended application, as described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are alternative views of the example sensor head 304illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown, sensor head 304 includes a sensor headhousing 310, a first optical window 312, a second optical window 314,and at least one temperature sensor which, in the illustrated example,is shown as two temperature sensors 316A and 316B (collectively“temperature sensor 316”). Sensor head housing 310 defines a fluidimpermeable structure that can house various components of sensor 300such as, e.g., an optical emitter (FIG. 2) and an optical detector (FIG.2). Sensor head housing 310 can be at least partially, and in some casesfully, immersed in a fluid. First optical window 312 defines anoptically transparent section of sensor head housing 310 through whichan optical emitter of sensor 300 can direct light into fluid within flowchamber 302, e.g., to cause fluorescent emissions. Second optical window314 defines a different optically transparent section of sensor headhousing 310 through which an optical detector of sensor 300 can receivefluorescent emissions emitted by the fluid within flow chamber 302.Temperature sensor 316 is configured to contact fluid within flowchamber 302 for determining a temperature of the fluid.

Sensor head housing 310 can define any suitable size and shape, and thesize and shape of the sensor head housing can vary, e.g., depending onthe number and arrangement of sensors carried by the housing. In theexample of FIGS. 5 and 6, sensor head housing 310 defines an elongatedbody that extends from a proximal end 318 to a distal end 320 (i.e., inthe Z-direction indicated on FIGS. 5 and 6) and includes a planar bottomsurface 321. In some examples, sensor head housing 310 defines anelongated body that has a length in the Z-direction indicated on FIGS. 5and 6 that is greater than a major width (e.g., in either X-direction orthe Y-direction indicated on FIGS. 5 and 6). In other examples, sensorhead housing 310 defines a length that is less than a major width of thehousing.

While sensor head housing 310 is illustrated as defining a substantiallycircular cross-sectional shape (i.e., in the X-Y plane indicated onFIGS. 5 and 6), in other examples the housing can define other shapes.Sensor head housing 310 can define any polygonal (e.g., square,hexagonal) or arcuate (e.g., circular, elliptical) shape, or evencombinations of polygonal and arcuate shapes. For instance, in someexamples, sensor head housing 310 defines an angular cutout projectingtowards an interior of the housing. The angular cutout may provide alocation for positioning first optical window 312 and second opticalwindow 314, e.g., to direct light from a light emitter through onewindow into a fluid sample and to receive fluorescent emissionsgenerated by the fluid sample through another window. The angular cutoutmay also define a fluid channel for directing fluid between the firstoptical window and the second optical widow, e.g., when sensor headhousing 310 is inserted into flow chamber 302 (FIG. 3) and fluid isflowing through the flow chamber.

In the example of sensor head housing 310, the housing includes anangular cutout 322 defined by a first planar surface 324 and a secondplanar surface 326. First planar surface 324 and second planar surface326 each extend radially inwardly toward a center of sensor head housing310. First planar surface 324 intersects second planar surface 326 todefine an intersection angle between the two planar surfaces. In someexamples, the intersection angle between first planar surface 324 andsecond planar surface 326 is approximately 90 degrees, although theintersection angle can be greater than 90 degrees or less than 90degrees and it should be appreciated that a sensor in accordance withthe disclosure is not limited in this respect.

When sensor head housing 310 includes angular cutout 322, first opticalwindow 312 can be positioned on one side of the angular cutout whilesecond optical window 314 can be positioned on a different side of theangular cutout. Such an arrangement may reduce the amount of light thatis emitted an optical emitter, transmitted through fluid within flowchamber 302, and detected by an optical detector, e.g., as compared toif first optical window 312 is positioned 180 degrees across from secondoptical window 314. Light generated by an optical emitter that istransmitted through a fluid and detected by an optical detector canpotentially interfere with the ability of the optical detector to detectfluorescent emissions.

First optical window 312 and second optical window 314 are opticallytransparent portions of sensor head housing 310. First optical window312 may be optically transparent to a frequency of light emitted by anoptical emitter of sensor 300. Second optical window 314 may beoptically transparent to a frequency of fluorescent emissions emitted bya fluid within fluid chamber. In operation, first optical window 312 andsecond optical window 314 may provide optical pathways for transmittinglight generated by an optical emitter housed within sensor head housing310 into a fluid in flow chamber 302 and for receiving fluorescentemissions emitted by the fluid by an optical detector housed within thesensor head housing.

In some examples, first optical window 312 and second optical window 314are fabricated from the same material while in other examples, firstoptical window 312 is fabricated from a material that is different thanthe material used to fabricate second optical window 314. First opticalwindow 312 and/or second optical window 314 may or may not include alens, prism, or other optical device that transmit and refracts light.For example, first optical window 312 and/or second optical window 314may be defined by a ball lens positioned within an optical channelextending through sensor head housing 310. The ball lens can befabricated from glass, sapphire, or other suitable optically transparentmaterials.

In the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6, sensor head housing 310 includes afirst optical window 312 for transmitting light into a fluid and asecond optical window 314 for receiving fluorescent emissions from thefluid. First optical window 312 is positioned at substantially the sameposition along the length of sensor head housing 310 as second opticalwindow 314 (i.e., in the Z-direction indicated on FIGS. 5 and 6). Duringuse, fluid within flow chamber 302 (FIG. 3) may move between an opticalaxis extending through a center of first optical window 312 and anoptical axis extending through a center of second optical window 314,e.g., by flowing in the positive Z-direction indicated on FIGS. 5 and 6.As the fluid moves past the optical windows, a light emitter maytransmit light through first optical window 312 and into the fluid,causing molecules in the fluid to excite and fluoresce. Before thefluorescing fluid flows past second optical window 314, optical energyemitted by the fluorescing molecules may be received through secondoptical window 314 by an optical detector.

Although first optical window 312 is positioned at substantially thesame position along the length of sensor head housing 310 as secondoptical window 314 in the example of sensor head 304, in other examples,first optical window 312 may be offset along the length of the sensorhead housing from second optical window 314. For example, second opticalwindow 314 may be positioned closer to proximal end 318 of sensor headhousing 310 than first optical window 312. In addition, although sensorhead 304 is illustrated as including a single optical window foremitting optical energy and a single optical window for receivingoptical energy, in other examples, sensor head 304 can include feweroptical windows (e.g., a single optical window) or more optical windows(e.g., three, four, or more), and the disclosure is not limited in thisrespect.

During operation, sensor 300 can detect fluorescent emissions from afluid flowing through flow chamber 302. The fluorescent emission datamay be used to determine a concentration of a chemical species flowingthrough the flow chamber or to determine other properties of the fluidin the flow chamber. Depending on the application, additional data aboutthe characteristics of the fluid flowing through flow chamber 302 beyondwhat can be obtained by fluorometric detection may be useful to monitorand/or adjust the properties of the fluid. For this reason, sensor 300may include a different sensor (e.g., in addition to a fluorometricoptical sensor) for sensing different properties of the fluid in flowchamber 302.

In the FIGS. 5 and 6, sensor head 304 includes temperature sensor 316for measuring a temperature of fluid in flow chamber 302. Temperaturesensor 316 can sense a temperature of the fluid and generate a signalcorresponding to the sensed temperature. When configured with atemperature sensor, the temperature sensor can be implemented as acontact sensor that determines the temperature of a fluid by physicallycontacting the fluid or as a non-contact sensor that determines thetemperature of the fluid without having the sensor physically contactthe fluid. In other examples, sensor head 304 does not includetemperature sensor 316.

In the example of sensor head 304, temperature sensor 316 is positionedon a different surface of sensor head housing 310 than optical windows312, 314. Specifically, temperature sensor 316 is positioned on a bottomsurface 321 of sensor head housing 310 while first optical windows 312and second optical window 314 are positioned on a sidewall of thehousing. In different examples, temperature sensor 316 may be flush witha surface (e.g., bottom surface 321) of sensor head housing 310, projectoutwardly from the surface of the sensor head housing, or be recessedrelative to the surface of the sensor head housing.

Independent of the specific arrangement of temperature sensor 316relative to sensor head housing 310, fluid within flow chamber 302 mayflow adjacent the temperature sensor during operation of sensor 300.Fluid may flow adjacent temperature sensor 316 by flowing past and,optionally, in contact with, the temperature sensor so that thetemperature sensor can sense a temperature of the fluid.

As briefly described above, sensor 300 (FIG. 3) includes flow chamber302. Flow chamber 302 is configured to receive and contain sensor head304. In particular, in the example of FIG. 3, flow chamber 302 isconfigured to receive sensor head 304 by moving the sensor head in thenegative Z-direction shown on FIG. 3 until a surface of the sensor headabuts a surface of the fluid chamber. The abutting surface may be bottomsurface 321 of sensor head housing 310 (FIGS. 5 and 6) or a differentsurface of the sensor head. Once suitably positioned within flow chamber302, locking member 308 can be secured over flow chamber 302 and sensorhead 304 to mechanical affix the sensor head to the flow chamber.

FIGS. 7-9 show different views of an example configuration of flowchamber 302. FIG. 7 is perspective top view of flow chamber 302 shownwith sensor head 304 removed from the chamber. FIG. 8 is across-sectional top view of flow chamber 302 (with sensor head 304inserted into the chamber) taken along the A-A cross-section lineindicated on FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of flowchamber 302 (with sensor head 304 inserted into the chamber) taken alongthe B-B cross-section line indicated on FIG. 7.

In the illustrated example, flow chamber 302 includes a flow chamberhousing 350, an inlet port 352, and an outlet port 354. Flow chamberhousing 350 defines a cavity 356 that is configured (e.g., sized andshaped) to receive sensor head 304. Inlet port 352 extends through flowchamber housing 350 (e.g., a side wall of the housing) and is configuredto convey fluid from outside of the housing to an interior of thehousing. Outlet port 354 extends through flow chamber housing 350 (e.g.,a side wall of the housing) and is configured to convey fluid from aninterior of the housing to back outside of the housing. In operation,fluid may enter flow chamber 302 via inlet port 352, pass adjacent firstoptical window 312, second optical window 314, and temperature sensor316 of sensor head 304, and discharge from the flow chamber via outletport 354. When flow chamber 302 is used in online applications, fluidmay flow through the chamber continuously for a period of time. Forexample, depending on the size and configuration of flow chamber 302,fluid may flow through the chamber at a rate ranging from 0.1 gallonsper minute to 10 gallons per minute, although other flow rates are bothpossible and contemplated.

During operation of optical sensor 300, flow chamber 302 may receivefluid, e.g., from a downstream industrial process, that contain foulingmaterials (e.g., solid particles) and/or gas bubbles. These foulingmaterials and/or gas bubbles may accumulate within the flow chamber,inhibiting sensor head 304 from adequately detecting the characteristicsof the fluid. In some examples according to the disclosure, inlet port352 of flow chamber 302 defines at least one fluid nozzle that isconfigured to direct fluid entering flow chamber 302 against an opticalwindow of sensor head 304. For example, in FIG. 8, inlet port 352 isillustrated as defining a first fluid nozzle 355A and a second fluidnozzle 355B (collectively “fluid nozzle 355”). When sensor head 304(FIGS. 4 and 5) is inserted into flow chamber 302, first fluid nozzle355A may direct fluid entering flow chamber 302 against first opticalwindow 312 while second fluid nozzle 355B may direct fluid entering theflow chamber against second optical window 314. Fluid nozzle 355 ofinlet port 352 may help reduce or eliminate the accumulation of foulingmaterials on sensor head 304, e.g., by causing incoming fluid to impactan optical window of the sensor head. The impacting fluid may preventfouling materials from accumulating on the optical widow of sensor head304 and/or dislodge accumulated fouling material from the opticalwindow.

In addition, directing incoming fluid against an optical window ofsensor head 304 may eliminate or reduce the formation of gas bubbles inthe fluid, e.g., at least prior to being optically analyzed by thesensor head. In some applications, gas bubbles may form within a fluidmoving through flow chamber 302 as the fluid contacts various surfacesof the flow chamber, e.g., causing dissolved gas to come out of solutionand accumulate within the flow chamber. These gas bubbles may reduce theaccuracy with which sensor head 304 of optical sensor 300 may determinea characteristic of the fluid. Directing fluid entering flow chamber 302against an optical window of sensor head 304 may prevent gas bubblesfrom forming in the fluid and/or allow the fluid to be opticallyanalyzed before gas bubbles form in the fluid.

Fluid nozzle 355 may be any structure that directs fluid entering flowchamber 302 against an optical window of sensor head 304. Fluid nozzle355 may taper (e.g., in the negative Y-direction indicated on FIG. 8) toincrease the speed of fluid flowing through the nozzle, expand todecrease the speed of fluid flowing through the nozzle, or maintain anequal cross-sectional area along the length of the nozzle. In theexample of FIGS. 7-9, fluid nozzle 355 projects from an interior wall offlow chamber 302 into angular cutout 322 of sensor head 304. Fluidnozzle 355 defines a single fluid conduit that divides at a distal endinto first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B. In otherexamples, first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B may eachdefine a separate fluid pathway that projects from a wall of flowchamber 302. In addition, in still other examples, fluid nozzle 355 maynot project from a wall of flow chamber 302. Rather, in these examples,fluid nozzle 355 may be flush with or recessed into a wall of flowchamber 302.

Fluid nozzle 355 defines at least one opening (e.g., two opening in theexample of FIGS. 7-9) that projects fluid entering flow chamber 302against an optical window of sensor head 304. The size of the fluidnozzle opening can vary, e.g., depending on the size of flow chamber 302and the amount of fluid intended to be conveyed through the flowchamber. In addition, the size of the fluid nozzle opening may varydepending on the size of the optical window of sensor head 304. In someexamples, fluid nozzle 355 defines an opening that has a cross-sectionalarea less than or equal to a cross-sectional area of an optical windowof sensor head 304. For instance, in the example of FIGS. 7-9, firstfluid nozzle 355A may define a cross-sectional area less than across-sectional area of first optical window 312 and/or second fluidnozzle 355B may define a cross-sectional area less than across-sectional area of second optical window 314. The cross-sectionalarea of first fluid nozzle 355A may be the same as or different than thecross-sectional area of second fluid nozzle 355B. Sizing first fluidnozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B so the fluid nozzles havecross-sectional areas less than or equal to the cross-sectional areas offirst optical window 312 and second optical window 314 may focus fluidentering flow chamber 302 on the optical windows. Rather than directinga comparatively larger fluid stream against first optical window 312and/or second optical window 314, focusing the fluid stream into acomparatively smaller stream may increase the pressure and/or velocityof the fluid stream. This may increase the force with which the fluidstream impacts an optical window of sensor head 304 for removing foulingmaterials.

Fluid nozzle 355 can be positioned at a variety of different locationsalong flow chamber 302 and the position can vary, e.g., based on thelocation of the optical window of sensor head 304. In some examples,sensor head 304 includes a first optical and a second optical windowthat are a positioned within a common plane along sensor head housing310. The common plane may be a common vertical plane (e.g., the Y-Zplane indicated on FIGS. 5 and 6) or a common horizontal plane (e.g.,the X-Y plane indicated on FIGS. 5 and 6). For instance, in the exampleof sensor head 304 (FIGS. 5 and 6), first optical window 312 and secondoptical window 314 are positioned with a common horizontal plane passingthrough a center of each optical window. In some examples, fluid nozzle355 may be positioned within the same plane as the optical window ofsensor head 304 (e.g., the same plane as both first optical window 312and second optical window 314). Such a location may minimize thedistance fluid needs to travel from an end of the fluid nozzle to theoptical window of the sensor head.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of flow chamber 302 show withsensor head 304 inserted into the chamber. In this configuration, secondfluid nozzle 355B is positioned within a common or same plane 400 withsecond optical window 314. Although not illustrated in thecross-sectional view, first fluid nozzle 355A may also be positionedwithin the common plane 400 with first optical window 312. When fluidnozzle 355 is positioned within a common plane 400 with an opticalwindow of sensor head 304, fluid may travel within the plane (e.g.,linearly) between the end of the fluid nozzle and the optical windowduring operation. Depending on the location of the fluid nozzle relativeto the optical window, positioning fluid nozzle 355 within a commonplane of an optical window of sensor head 304 may minimize the distancethe fluid travels between the fluid nozzle and the optical window duringoperation. In turn, this may increase the force with the fluid impactsthe optical window. That being said, in other examples, fluid nozzle 355is not positioned within a common plane 400 with first optical window312 and/or second optical window 314, and the disclosure is not limitedin this respect.

Fluid nozzle 355 and, in particular, a fluid opening of fluid nozzle 355can have a variety of different orientations relative to an opticalwindow of sensor head 304. In general, orienting an opening of fluidnozzle 355 so that the opening is pointed towards the optical window ofsensor head 304 may be useful for directing fluid against the opticalwindow. During operation when fluid nozzle 355 has such a configuration,fluid discharging from the fluid nozzle may travel from the fluid nozzleto the optical window of sensor head 304 without contacting a wallsurface or other internal surface of flow chamber 110. Instead, fluidexiting fluid nozzle 355 may directly contact the optical window ofsensor head 304 prior to contact any other surface inside of flowchamber 302.

With further reference to FIG. 8, first fluid nozzle 355A defines afirst fluid axis 380A extending through a center of the first fluidnozzle and second fluid nozzle 355B defines a second fluid axis 380Bextending through a center of the second fluid nozzle. First fluid axis380A extends through and intersects approximately a center of firstoptical window 312 such that, when fluid is flowing through first fluidnozzle 355A, a fluid stream exiting the nozzle is substantially centeredon the optical window. Second fluid axis 380B extends through andintersects approximately a center of second optical window 314 suchthat, when fluid is flowing through second fluid nozzle 355B, a fluidstream exiting the nozzle is substantially centered on the opticalwindow. In other examples, first fluid axis 380A and/or second fluidaxis 380B may extend through a different portion of first optical window312 and/or second optical window 314 other than a center of the opticalwindows or may not extend through the optical windows at all. Forexample, first fluid axis 380A and second fluid axis 380B may extendthrough wall of sensor head housing 310 such that, when fluid is flowingthrough first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B, fluidstreams exiting the nozzles impact the wall of sensor head housing,e.g., before flowing against first optical window 312 and second opticalwindow 314. Such a configuration may dissipate the force of an incomingfluid stream before contacting an optical window of sensor head 304.

During operation of flow chamber 302 in the example of FIGS. 7-9, fluidenters inlet port 352 of the flow chamber and travels through the inletport and, in some examples through a portion of fluid nozzle 355, beforesplitting into first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B. Aportion of the fluid entering the inlet port discharges through firstfluid nozzle 355A while a different portion of the fluid entering theinlet port discharges through second fluid nozzle 355B. In someexamples, all the fluid entering inlet port 352 discharges from theinlet port via first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B. Forexample, when fluid nozzle 355A defines an opening that is approximatelythe same size as an opening defined by second fluid nozzle 355B,approximately one half of the fluid entering inlet port 352 maydischarge from the inlet port via first fluid nozzle 355A while theother half discharges from second fluid nozzle 355B. Upon dischargingfrom fluid nozzle 355, fluid may travel from the distal tip of the fluidnozzle through a gaseous or liquid-filled space before contacting firstoptical window 312 and second optical window 314.

During operation of sensor head 304, the sensor head may emit lightthrough first optical window 312 into a fluid flowing through flowchamber 302 and receive optical energy (e.g., fluorescent emissions)from the fluid through second optical window 314 for detecting acharacteristic of the fluid. If fluid nozzle 355 projects from a wall offlow chamber 302 into optical pathways extending through the firstoptical window 312 and second optical window 314, the fluid nozzle maypotentially cause optical interference with the sensor. Accordingly, insome examples when fluid nozzle 355 projects from a wall of flow chamber302, the fluid nozzle is sized so as to help minimize or avoid opticalinterference by the nozzle.

FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional top view of flow chamber 302 (shownwith sensor head 304 inserted into the chamber and without fluid nozzle355 for purposes of illustration) taken along the A-A cross-section lineindicated on FIG. 7. FIG. 10 illustrates example optical regions thatmay be defined by optical sensor 300. In this example, first opticalwindow 312 is configured to project light from a light source into afirst optical region 402 of angular cutout 322, and second opticalwindow 314 is configured to receive light from second optical region 404of the angular cutout. First optical region 402 overlaps with secondoptical region 404 adjacent optical first optical window 312 and secondoptical window 314. Depending on the orientation and design of sensorhead 304, first optical region 402 may diverge from second opticalregion 404 as the optical regions extend away from first optical window312 and second optical window 314, defining a third optical region 406.A fluid nozzle (not illustrated on FIG. 10) may be sized so that thenozzle projects into third optical region 406 without projecting intofirst optical region 402 and/or second optical region 404. Such sizingmay help minimize the extent to which a projecting fluid nozzle causesoptical interference with sensor head 304.

Optical sensor 300 in the example of FIGS. 7-10 includes two opticalwindows (optical window 312 and second optical window 314). For thisreason, flow chamber 302 in this example is generally described ashaving two fluid nozzles, first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluidnozzle 355B. In other examples, flow chamber 302 may have fewer fluidnozzles (e.g., a single fluid nozzle) or more fluid nozzles (e.g.,three, four, or more fluid nozzles), and the disclosure is not limitedin this respect. For example, when sensor head 304 of optical sensor 300has more than two optical windows, flow chamber 302 may have more thantwo fluid nozzles. In some examples, flow chamber 302 includes at leastone fluid nozzle associated with each optical window of sensor head 304.Further, while first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B areillustrated in FIGS. 7-10 as being in fluid communication with a commoninlet port, in other examples, each fluid nozzle may be defined by aseparate inlet port extending through a side wall of flow chamberhousing 350. Rather than partitioning incoming fluid inside of inletport 352 of flow chamber 302, fluid entering the flow chamber may splitor provided from different sources outside of the chamber and introducedinto the flow chamber via different inlet ports.

As briefly discussed above with respect to FIG. 7, flow chamber 302includes an inlet port 352 and an outlet port 354. Inlet port 352 isconfigured to connect to a conduit for conveying fluid from a source toan interior of flow chamber 302. Outlet port 354 is configured toconnect to a conduit for conveying fluid away from flow chamber 302.Inlet port 352 and outlet port 354 can be positioned at any suitablelocation about the perimeter of flow chamber housing 350. In the exampleof FIGS. 7-10, inlet port 352 is positioned on a sidewall of the housingwhile outlet port 354 is positioned on a bottom surface of the housing.Inlet port 352 may be arranged at other locations relative to outletport 354 and the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

With further reference to FIG. 3, sensor 300 also includes sensor cap306 and locking member 308. Sensor cap 306 may define a cap that housesvarious electrical components of sensor 300. For example, sensor cap 306may house at least a portion of an optical emitter (e.g., opticalemitter 222) and/or an optical detector (e.g., optical detector 224)and/or a controller (e.g., controller 220) of sensor 300. Sensor cap 306may be permanently affixed to (e.g., integrally molded with) sensor 300or may be removable from sensor 300.

In some examples, sensor 300 does not include a controller and/or otherelectronic components that are physical housed with the sensor (e.g., insensor cap 306). Rather, various components of sensor 300 may be locatedin one or more housings that are physically separate from the sensor andcommunicatively coupled to the sensor (e.g., via a wired or wirelessconnection). In one example, sensor cap 306 of sensor 300 is removableand sensor head 304 of the sensor is configured to connect to a handheldcontroller module. Example handheld controller modules that may be usedwith sensor 300 are described in US Patent Publication No. 2011/0240887,filed Mar. 31, 2010, and US Patent Publication No. 2011/0242539, alsofiled Mar. 31, 2010. The entire contents of these patent publicationsare incorporated herein by reference.

During operation, pressurized fluid may flow through flow chamber 302 ofsensor 300. When sensor head 304 is designed to be removable from flowchamber 302, the pressurized fluid flowing through the flow chamber maytry to force the sensor head out of the fluid chamber. For this reason,sensor 300 may include a locking member to lock sensor head 304 intoflow chamber 302.

In the example of FIG. 3, sensor 300 includes locking member 308.Locking member 308 may help prevent sensor head 304 from disengagingwith flow chamber 302 when pressurized fluid is flowing through the flowchamber. In some examples, locking member 308 is configured to securesensor head 304 to flow chamber 302 by screwing the locking member overa portion of both the sensor head and the flow chamber. In differentexamples, locking member 308 may be configured to secure to sensor head304 to flow chamber 302 using a different type of attachment featuresuch as, e.g., clips, bolts, or the like. By mechanically affixingsensor head 304 to flow chamber 302, sensor 300 may define fluid-tightcavity (e.g., except for inlet port 352 and outlet port 354) forreceiving and analyzing a fluid sample.

The techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented, at leastin part, in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. Forexample, various aspects of the described techniques may be implementedwithin one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors,digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any otherequivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as anycombinations of such components. The term “processor” may generallyrefer to any of the foregoing logic circuitry, alone or in combinationwith other logic circuitry, or any other equivalent circuitry. A controlunit comprising hardware may also perform one or more of the techniquesof this disclosure.

Such hardware, software, and firmware may be implemented within the samedevice or within separate devices to support the various operations andfunctions described in this disclosure. In addition, any of thedescribed units, modules or components may be implemented together orseparately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. Depiction ofdifferent features as modules or units is intended to highlightdifferent functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that suchmodules or units must be realized by separate hardware or softwarecomponents. Rather, functionality associated with one or more modules orunits may be performed by separate hardware or software components, orintegrated within common or separate hardware or software components.

The techniques described in this disclosure may also be embodied orencoded in a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium, containing instructions. Instructionsembedded or encoded in a computer-readable storage medium may cause aprogrammable processor, or other processor, to perform the method, e.g.,when the instructions are executed. Non-transitory computer readablestorage media may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory formsincluding, e.g., random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read onlymemory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory(EEPROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, acassette, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer readablemedia.

Various examples have been described. These and other examples arewithin the scope of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An optical sensor system comprising: anoptical sensor that comprises a sensor head that includes an opticalwindow, at least one light source configured to emit light through theoptical window into a flow of fluid, and at least one detectorconfigured to detect fluorescent emissions through the optical windowfrom the flow of fluid; and a flow chamber that includes a housingdefining a cavity into which the sensor head is inserted, an inlet portconfigured to communicate the flow of fluid from outside of the cavityto an interior of the cavity, and an outlet port configured tocommunicate the flow of fluid from the interior of the cavity to backoutside of the cavity, the inlet port defining a fluid nozzle configuredto direct the flow of fluid against the optical window; a liquid sourceconfigured to supply the flow of fluid communicating through the inletport; a gas source configured to supply the flow of fluid communicatingthrough the inlet port; and a controller configured to control the gassource to place the gas source in fluid communication with the flowchamber so as to evacuate the flow chamber of liquid, and control theliquid source so as to place the liquid source in fluid communicationwith the flow chamber so as to direct liquid through the fluid nozzle,through a space of the flow chamber evacuated of liquid, and against theoptical window.
 2. The optical sensor system of claim 1, wherein theoptical window of the sensor head comprises a first optical window and asecond optical window, the at least one light source being configured toemit light through the first optical window and the at least onedetector being configured to detect fluorescent emissions through thesecond optical window, and the fluid nozzle of the flow chambercomprises a first fluid nozzle and a second fluid nozzle, the firstfluid nozzle being configured to direct a portion of the flow of fluidagainst the first optical window and the second fluid nozzle beingconfigured to direct a portion of the flow of fluid against the secondoptical window.
 3. The optical sensor system of claim 2, wherein thefirst fluid nozzle defines a first fluid axis extending through a centerof the first fluid nozzle, the second fluid nozzle defines a secondfluid axis extending through a center of the second fluid nozzle, andthe first fluid axis intersects approximately a center of the firstoptical window and the second fluid axis intersects approximately acenter of the second optical window.
 4. The optical sensor system ofclaim 2, wherein the sensor head includes a sensor housing extendingfrom a proximal end to a distal end, the sensor housing including anangular cutout defined by a first planar surface that intersects asecond planar surface, wherein the first optical window is positioned inthe first planar surface and the second optical window is positioned onthe second planar surface.
 5. The optical sensor of claim 4, wherein thefirst planar surface intersects the second planar surface to define anapproximately 90 degree angle, the first optical window and the secondoptical window are positioned within a same plane between the proximalend and the distal end of the sensor housing, and the first fluid nozzleand the second fluid nozzle are positioned within the same plane as thefirst optical window and the second optical window.
 6. The opticalsensor of claim 4, wherein the first fluid nozzle and the second fluidnozzle project away from a wall of the flow chamber into the angularcutout.
 7. The optical sensor of claim 1, wherein the gas source isatmospheric air.
 8. The optical sensor of claim 1, further comprising afirst valve positioned between the gas source and the flow chamber and asecond valve positioned between the liquid source and the flow chamber,wherein the controller is configured to control the liquid source so asto place the liquid source in fluid communication with the flow chamberby opening the second valve, and the controller is further configured tocontrol the gas source to place the gas source in fluid communicationwith the flow chamber by opening the first valve.
 9. A methodcomprising: evacuating a flow chamber of an optical sensor of liquid,wherein the optical sensor includes a sensor head having an opticalwindow that is inserted into the flow chamber, and the flow chamberincludes an inlet port defining a fluid nozzle configured to directfluid against the optical window; flowing liquid through the inlet portof the flow chamber so as to direct liquid through the fluid nozzle,through a space of the flow chamber evacuated of liquid, and against theoptical window.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein evacuating the flowchamber comprises controlling a gas source to place the gas source influid communication with the flow chamber, and flowing liquid throughthe inlet port comprises controlling a liquid source so as to place theliquid source in fluid communication with the flow chamber.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the gas source is atmospheric air.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, wherein controlling the gas source comprisescontrolling a first valve positioned between the gas source and the flowchamber, and controlling the liquid source comprises controlling asecond valve positioned between the liquid source and the flow chamber.13. The method of claim 9, wherein the optical window of the sensor headcomprises a first optical window and a second optical window and theoptical sensor further comprises at least one light source configured toemit light through the first optical window and at least one detectorconfigured to detect fluorescent emissions through the second opticalwindow, and wherein the fluid nozzle of the flow chamber comprises afirst fluid nozzle and a second fluid nozzle, the first fluid nozzlebeing configured to direct fluid against the first optical window andthe second fluid nozzle being configured to direct fluid against thesecond optical window.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the firstfluid nozzle defines a first fluid axis extending through a center ofthe first fluid nozzle, the second fluid nozzle defines a second fluidaxis extending through a center of the second fluid nozzle, and thefirst fluid axis intersects approximately a center of the first opticalwindow and the second fluid axis intersects approximately a center ofthe second optical window.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thesensor head includes a sensor housing extending from a proximal end to adistal end, the sensor housing including an angular cutout defined by afirst planar surface that intersects a second planar surface, whereinthe first optical window is positioned in the first planar surface andthe second optical window is positioned on the second planar surface.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first planar surface intersectsthe second planar surface to define an approximately 90 degree angle,the first optical window and the second optical window are positionedwithin a same plane between the proximal end and the distal end of thesensor housing, and the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzleare positioned within the same plane as the first optical window and thesecond optical window.